Originally we were looking forward to our train ride to Munich. Having paid extra for first class tickets (even though we didn't have any other options) we were expecting a bit of luxury and some free stuff. Wrong. Instead we got other people's cheesy feet pointing at us and no internet even though there was supposed to be. Where was the free champagne and string quartet?
At least getting to our next 'home' was easier. James' uncle had very nicely agreed to put us up (or should that be put up with us?) so he met us at the station and after a quick taxi ride we arrived at his apartment. We definitely wouldn't have been able to afford this place on airbnb! He gave us a quick tour and took us straight out for a drink and a catch up, and in James's case a lesson in beer etiquette - don't pour any of your old pint into the new one. I think we both expected him to get a slap for that!
Our first full day was a quiet one. David flew back to Liverpool early to be with the rest of the family so we were left to relax with some English TV for a change. Given the past few days it was never going to be an eventful day for us.
On the Saturday we decided to start exploring a bit. We were looking out for lederhosen since it was Oktoberfest but neither of us realised just how normal it is to wear traditional dress in Munich. Christine wants one of the dresses but we didn't manage to find quite the right one and since James didn't get to wear lederhosen, he's just going to have to next time! Our first taste of the Oktoberfest tradition came when we found the Hofbrauhaus. We loved it. The beer was great (and huge) and the band were playing right in front of us, I think one of them was a bit taken with Christine! We did find out that our German drinking songs need a bit of practice when we had to mumble the rest of the words to 'Ein Prosit' but we made a promise to learn them. Turns out there aren't that many anyway. So we stumble back to the apartment a bit tipsy, stopping off for some Bratwurst on the way (mmm sauerkraut for James - yum!) but the fun wasn't over yet, a bit of a play fight waiting for the underground to get back left Christine with a bruised bum and James with tears of laughter. Beer and balance don't mix!
Sunday was a chilled out day for obvious reasons! A good day to Skype home and catch up on all the news back in Manchester. George kept us entertained with an impressive dance routine that had more couch jumping in it than either of us has ever done. We did manage to make it out in the afternoon though and had a walk round the English Gardens and a sit by the lake watching the Sun gradually go down.
PS Sorry for the delay but the internet has been a bit hit and miss so we've had to prioritise! Pictures to follow soon
No comments:
Post a Comment